Jerry Ortiz y Pino | |
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Member of the New Mexico Senate from the 12th district | |
In office 2005 –December 31, 2024 | |
Preceded by | Richard M. Romero |
Succeeded by | Jay C. Block |
Personal details | |
Born | Santa Fe,New Mexico,U.S. | August 27,1942
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse | Donna Bruzzese |
Residence | Albuquerque,New Mexico |
Education | University of New Mexico (BA) Tulane University (MSW) |
Profession | Social worker |
Gerald P. "Jerry" Ortiz y Pino (born August 27,1942) is an American politician and social worker who served as a member of the New Mexico Senate,where he has represented the 12th district from 2005 to 2024.
Ortiz y Pino was born and raised in Santa Fe,New Mexico. He is one of six siblings. [1] He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin American studies from the University of New Mexico,followed by a Master of Social Work from Tulane University. [2]
Ortiz y Pino succeeded Richard M. Romero,a fellow Democrat who ran unsuccessfully for Congress and Mayor of Albuquerque in 2009. Ortiz y Pino ran unopposed in 2008,2012,2016. He also wrote a recurring column which appeared in the Weekly Alibi ,an alternative publication in the Albuquerque. [3]
Ortiz y Pino has advocated for the legalization of cannabis in New Mexico. [4] Ortiz y Pino is a supporter of Bernie Sanders,and endorsed the senator during the 2016 and 2020 Democratic Party primaries. [5] [6] [7]
In 2024,Ortiz y Pino voted against establishing an Office of Housing within the executive to coordinate housing policies across state entities and develop comprehensive plans to increase housing supply. [8]